Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid

Visit , named for the neoclassical fountain of Ceres (or Cybele) riding in a chariot pulled by two lions. As the square is a focal point for modern architecture, look for the four large palaces on each corner--the Bank of Spain, the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palacio de Linares and the Palacio de Cibeles. The fountain is very busy with foot traffic, cars going to the city center, and Real Madrid fans celebrating the victories of their team. Put Plaza de Cibeles and other Madrid attractions into our Madrid online travel planner , and watch your holiday take shape.

Located along the tree-lined avenues of access from the North to the city centre, at the intersection of Alcalá Street and the paseo de Recoletos, the square, head South, begins the paseo del Prado. Has circular and is surrounded by imposing buildings: the Palace, the Palacio de Buenavista, the seat of the Banco de España, the Palacio de Linares, constructed between the late ' 700 and the beginning of ' 900, according to the architectural fashion of the moment. The Center, in a large roundabout, is the Cibeles fountain, depicting the Roman goddess of Earth, agriculture and fertility, in a chariot drawn by a pair of lions, carved in marble, yellowish. Made at the end of ' 700, represents one of the most symbolic places of the capital and is the point at which are celebrated the victories of Real Madrid and the national team; from Madrid is considered one of the main symbols of the city. Actually the heavy traffic of cars flowing in the overall view allowing hardly square. Not worth the risk of being overwhelmed to see the fountain. Interesting instead the palaces at the corners of the square.